Adult Choruses
Discover The Cleveland Orchestra’s Adult Choruses, where passionate singers join together to perform with a world-renowned symphony.
Interested in auditioning for one of our choruses?
We are currently auditioning for the 2026-27 season. Scroll down for details!
The Cleveland Orchestra Chorus
The Cleveland Orchestra Chorus is one of the few professionally trained, all-volunteer choruses sponsored by a major American orchestra.
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Blossom Festival Chorus
Blossom Festival Chorus performs at Blossom Music Center in the summer, and in the annual Holiday Concerts at Severance.
More DetailsChorus Events This Season
Chorus Auditions
Chorus auditions are held each spring for the upcoming season. Special audition opportunities are occasionally held at other times.
Auditions will be held in May 2026 for the 2026-27 season.
If you are interested in auditioning, you can find more details, sign up for an audition, and fill out an application on our website.
Cleveland Orchestra Chorus Audition Requirements
- A vocal solo in English, French, Italian, or German.
- Three required excerpts, which can be downloaded on our website.
- Sight-reading assessment
- Possibly some simple vocal exercises
Blossom Festival Chorus Audition Requirements
- A vocal solo in any language
- One required excerpt, which can be downloaded on our website.
- Sight-reading assessment
- Possibly some simple vocal exercises
Those interested in auditioning for both adult choruses need only follow the COC audition requirements.
All choruses are made up of volunteers from different backgrounds. Members share a passion for choral singing, our community, and the pursuit of choral excellence.
The COC rehearses September - May on Monday nights (and the occasional Sunday), while BFC rehearses in the summer on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (and the occasional Thursday). BFC holiday singers join the COC in Monday night rehearsals starting in November.
Chorus rehearsals typically take place at Severance Music Center in University Circle, or Disciples Christian Church in Cleveland Heights from 7:00 - 10:00 pm.
COC members make a commitment to the full season (September - May), while BFC members are invited to participate in summer concerts at Blossom Music Center and the annual Holiday Concerts at Severance.
The Cleveland Orchestra provides all music and concert attire. Performance folders are available for chorus members to purchase.
Find more audition details on our website.
BFC Summer 2026 Season
August 1, 2026
Stravinsky: Symphony of Psalms
Kazuki Yamada, conductor
August 13, 2026
A Night at the Opera
John Fiore, conductor
COC 2026-27 Season
October 24, 2026
The Chorus at 75 with Eric Whitacre
Lisa Wong, conductor
Eric Whitacre, conductor
November 5, 7-8, 2026
Brahms: Ein Deutsches requiem
Petr Popelka, conductor
December 11-13, 18-20 & 22-23, 2026
Holiday Concerts
Sarah Hicks, conductor
January 14 & 16, 2027
With a special performance at Carnegie Hall on January 19
Beethoven: Missa Solemnis
Franz Welser-Möst, conductor
February 4-7, 2027
Holst: The Planets (soprano/alto chamber chorus)
Thomas Adès, conductor
May 16, 19 & 22, 2027
Strauss: Die Frau ohne Schatten
Franz Welser-Möst, conductor
May 27, 2027
Haydn: The Creation
Franz Welser-Möst, conductor
Contact the Chorus Office with questions at chorus@clevelandorchestra.com